Lawmakers in Juneau are working on a state budget, with the House having pushed its version through to the Senate on Thursday.
FastCast digital headlines for Thursday, April 11, 2024.ANCHORAGE, Alaska - State lawmakers on Thursday passed a version of the proposed budget, to include a roughly $2,300 Permanent Fund Dividend payment for qualifying Alaskans.
Lawmakers remained divided over the issue even into the last hours of debate, with the final vote coming in at 23-17.House Majority members have maintained that the proposed budget offers a sizeable PFD, while also providing room for investments in education and public safety statewide. House Minority members, on the other hand, have said that while proposed budgets included one-time funding for a $680 BSA, they were concerned that the budget had very little wiggle room.
Legislation is still being debated this session, and the House’s proposed budget has only an $80 million surplus. This week, Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, said the there will likely be a $276 million gap between the tentative spending plan and what is available to spend in the operating budget. Stedman said that when the Senate receives the House’s version of the budget, it will have to consider cuts, including slashing the PFD. Amendments are expected, as the Senate has repeatedly expressed support for a lower, $1,360 PFD proposal.Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.
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